As with any kind of hobby, camping has purists and non-purists. Purists say that if you're going to go camping, everything should be as basic and natural as possible, meaning no electronics.
Car camping is not "real" camping. For everyone else, camping is just a momentary escape from the stresses of life. It is about the change of scenery, the enjoyment of nature and new experiences. If you are this type of camper, solar devices can make your time in the woods more convenient and more satisfying. What benefits do they offer??
And that's just for the outdoors. Solar power provides all kinds of benefits when you install it in your home. 6 Advantages of Solar Panels You Probably Haven't Considered 6 Advantages of Solar Panels You Probably Haven't Considered Solar energy is becoming more common among middle-class consumers, with more AND more people realizing the advantages of solar panels. Read more . With that said, let's look at some products that can really come in handy on your next camping trip.
the Goal Zero Yeti 150 It is one of the best portable solar generators currently available. We have already outlined the benefits of a solar generator over a gas generator. Solar Generators vs. Fuel Generators:Which Is Best for You? Solar Generators vs Fuel Generators:Which is Best for You? Would a solar generator make more sense than a gas generator? What solar generator options are there? Those are the questions we will look at today. Read More
This is quite expensive, so understandable if it's out of your budget, but it packs quite a punch with its 150Wh, 14000mAh capacity. It also comes with three types of ports:12V, USB and AC.
No matter what you have, this will charge it. Simply connect the generator to a compatible solar panel and it will work, but you can also plug it into a regular wall outlet, making it even more versatile as an investment. The only drawback is that it is not waterproof.
If the Yeti 150 mentioned above is beyond your price range, or just way more powerful than you'd ever need, then RAVPower Portable Charger It may be the next best thing. What I like the most about it is the foldable design.
This charger has four panels:three of them have solar cells and the fourth is where the energy is stored. Each panel is approximately 9.5 × 6.0 inches in size and approximately one inch thick when fully folded. It's also made with a nylon material that resists water and mildew.
With two USB ports, you can charge two devices at the same time. Mainly useful for smaller devices like phones and tablets, but very handy for that.
A third solar charger on this list? You bet. This one is so good we couldn't skip it, but different enough from the previous two that it still deserves inclusion. For the ultimate portability, go with the PowerTraveler Powermonkey Extreme .
It's thin, it's tough, and it's waterproof. The solar component has a clamshell design that flips open to start charging, and the charge is stored in a separate battery pack that you can carry on its own, right in your pocket if you choose.
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The battery also has an LCD display that shows the current charge level, which is great when you're out on a hike, for example. It has a USB port and a 12V DC port, which covers a wide range of what it can charge.
If you want beauty and elegance, this may not be the right light source for you, but if you want maximum flexibility and portability, then the MPowerd Luci Inflatable Lights will fit the bill.
It's inflatable, you literally blow it up, which means it's collapsible too. The light covers approximately 15 square feet and can last 6-12 hours on a single charge, depending on the setting you use:bright, super bright, or 1-second flashes.
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It's waterproof, submersible, and also comes with a handy strap to carry it by hand or attach it to something else, like a backpack. Best of all? It's very cheap.
The MPowerd Luci isn't for everyone, so if you want something a little more protected and easy on the eyes, consider the ErgaLogik Compact Flashlight .
It's small (about the size of your palm) and made with a protective hard case. Open it like an accordion to provide light for a radius of several feet and use one of three modes:low, high and flashing. For times when no sun is available, you can charge it via USB.
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But the nifty part is that it also has a USB output, meaning this compact flashlight doubles as a solar battery pack. How cool is that?
Here is one more light source you may like. The Suaoki Clover Lantern is exactly what it sounds like:three panels that have LED lights inside and solar panels on the outside, shaped like a cloverleaf.
With three modes - low, high and flashing - it's as good as the rest, but the trefoil design has wider light coverage and can be "closed" to act as a more focused light source, which can be nice when it takes more of a flashlight than a flashlight.
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There's nothing worse than going camping and getting caught in bad weather, so the Eton Scorpion II Digital Radio It's something everyone should consider wearing.
It offers NOAA weather alerts so you're always prepared, but it also works well on AM and FM so you can listen to the radio, music, or anything else. But the best part? It is a multifunctional power station. Charge it in two ways:sunlight or hand crank.
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In addition to radio features, the Scorpion II also has a built-in flashlight and can charge mobile devices with its USB port. It's like a digital multi-tool, ideal for casual campers.
Here's a solar product that may appeal to purists more than non-purists:a bag of water that can be heated by exposing it to the sun. Solar elements can heat it to temperatures higher than room temperature.
So the next time you're on a multi-day camping trip in the real wilderness and want to take a hot shower, grab an Advanced Element Solar Shower with you. It holds 5 gallons, but a smaller 3 gallon (UK) version is also available.
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Why would anyone need a solar cooker when camping? That's what the campfire is for, isn't it? Well, yes, but there are things you can do with a solar cooker that you can't easily do with a campfire.
On the one hand, cooking is more reliable and even. You also don't get the taste of smoke from a campfire, which can be dangerous if you're burning treated wood. But most of all, you can set it and forget it, whereas a campfire requires at least a little attention.
The Solar cooker for all seasons it uses the sun's rays to cook your food, and the design makes it easy to capture sunlight even as the sun moves across the sky from dawn to dusk. If this is too big, a smaller version is available.
The GoSun Sport solar oven It started as a Kickstarter project and took off once people realized how useful it could be. Basically, it's a vacuum tube where meats and vegetables are placed, then cooked with redirected sunlight.
It's big enough to hold enough food for a meal for two, it works even in the winter, and it's quite versatile:bake, steam, boil, and even fry if you dare. You'll love it once you start using it.
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You might even consider starting with the GoSun Sport Pro package, which comes with an additional cooking tray and durable carrying case for better portability.
One reason to go camping is to get out in the sun, so why not make the most of what the sun can do? Take advantage of your energy to charge your devices, heat your water and cook your food, all without waste or environmental impact..
If you want to get even more serious, you should check out these helpful solar gadgets for your home. 12 Awesome Solar Gadgets Everyone Must Use. 12 Awesome Solar Powered Gadgets Every Home Should Use. Solar energy provides cleaner and more sustainable electricity. , but few people can afford solar panels and few energy providers invest in solar power generation. It's time to take solar power into your own hands. Read More And don't forget the non-solar gear, too. Here are some camping items that can make your next trip even better 7 Gift Ideas Under $100 for Campers and Hikers 7 Gift Ideas Under $100 for Campers and Hikers Christmas May Not Be Ideal for Hiking and camping, but that doesn't mean we can't. Don't start preparing for summer. Here are eight awesome gift ideas for outdoor lovers. Read more.
What do you think about bringing solar gadgets on a camping trip? Is it worth the convenience or does it defeat the whole purpose of going out? Let us know in the comments below!
